2015 BMW X5 Overview

Learn more about the all new 2015 BMW X5 with comprehensive car pricing info, current rebates & incentives, safety data, MPG, car photos, specs & more. Select a research category to learn more about the new BMW X5.

2015 BMW X5

2015 BMW X5 Summary

(2 Stars)
Reviewed by Motor Trend3/9/2015

New for 2015

The 2015 BMW X5 gains a standard sport leather steering wheel for all models and hands-free keyless access for V-8 models. Prices for the Luxury Line and xLine trims have been reduced by $100, the Premium Package now comes with four-zone climate control, and the Executive Package adds a leather dashboard and four-zone climate control. Soft-close doors and Enhanced Bluetooth with Smartphone Integration are now standalone options. The price for night vision with pedestrian detection has been reduced to $2,300 from $2,600.

Vehicle Summary

The 2015 BMW X5 is a luxury crossover with seating for up to seven passengers (with the optional third row) and sold in rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. Like its German counterparts, BMW offers a diesel engine in the X5.

Overview

Two turbocharged gas engines are available in the 2015 BMW X5: a 3.0-liter I-6 with 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque and a 4.4-liter V-8 with 445 hp and 480 lb-ft. A turbodiesel 3.0-liter I-6 with 255 hp and 413 lb-ft is also available for those looking for the best fuel economy. All engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which contribute to the X5's good fuel economy. Rear-drive gas I-6 models are rated at 19/27 mpg city/highway and 18/27 mpg with all-wheel drive. V-8-powered crossovers are the least efficient at 15/22 mpg while diesel models achieve an impressive 24/31 mpg.

Performance is impressive for such a large crossover, with good acceleration in all 2015 X5s and superb driving dynamics. The X5's chassis is well-tuned, allowing it to corner confidently and in a controlled manner, changing directions like a sedan. Diesel and V-8-powered X5s provide the best acceleration, making merging and passing maneuvers a breeze even when going uphill. However, the car's two-and-a-half-ton curb weight means that the base engine is barely adequate at powering the crossover even with 300 hp and 300 lb-ft.

Interior space is good in the first and second row with seating for five passengers; the optional third row, however, is useless for carrying people and is the least usable in its class. The 2015 X5's material quality, on the other hand, is top-notch with high-grade, soft-touch plastics, and has excellent sound insulation. Tech and convenience features are also abundant with available multi-contour front seats, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, navigation, head-up display, surround view monitor, Nappa leather upholstery, soft-close automatic doors, and night vision with pedestrian detection.

The NHTSA gave the 2015 BMW X5 a five-star overall safety rating (out of a possible five stars).

What We Think

When looked at as a two-row five passenger crossover, the 2015 BMW X5 is a good choice with a well-appointed interior, available diesel engine, impressive driving dynamics, and long list of tech and convenience features. We noted in a 2014 First Drive review that the crossover handles well and feels "planted and surefooted" in turns.

Additionally, the available twin-turbo V-8 engine puts the X5's acceleration on par with some sports cars needing only 4.3 seconds to hit 60 mph in a 2014 First Test review. The car's third row seating, however, is useless for people and is fussy to raise and fold down due to the heavy cargo cover over it. Furthermore, the car's heavy two and a half-ton curb weight means the base gas-powered turbo-six engine is strained, making it feel weak before the boost comes on. Its ride quality is also a weak point with comfort being sacrificed in the name of handling.